On September 9-11, 2025, the Conference Endowment Distribution Committee (EDC) met to review the more than 40 applications submitted for available funds. Eight committee members poured over the notebook of applications. As part of the application process, project coordinators elaborated a bit more about their ministry and answered questions via Zoom. Some of the ministry ideas were outreach to Native college students, leadership development projects, shade structures for children, developing community relationships by innovative means, storytelling initiatives, etc.

EDC chair, Rev. Dustin Burrow said, “The Endowment Distribution Committee is especially excited about ministries that are led by lay people, where the church has some skin in the game, and where volunteers from outside the congregation can be part of the work. More than charity alone, we’re looking for ministries that build relationships, draw people back into the life of the church, and truly change lives as we make disciples of Jesus Christ together.” A value on creating networks and being good stewards of valuable funds was evident in the Q&A portion of presentations.

A good example of this was what might be considered at first glance as a food pantry for livestock. What made it the type of ministry that may be funded by the EDC is that in this ministry, livestock feed is delivered to ranches and relationships are pursued, rather than ranchers merely picking up feed at the church. It is innovative in its approach and considers several ways to engage with the community that would not have been realized if not for conversations with community members about what they actually needed.

Another is a clothes distribution ministry for women in transition, meaning women who are leaving prison or a rehabilitation facility, who are entering the job market, etc. What made this ministry different was that the model includes volunteers spending time with the women – helping them to develop the best wardrobe choices. It’s more of a boutique experience where relationships can be made, and confidence grown.

Each ministry is eligible for three years of funding. FUMC-ABQ and Eugene Field Elementary School have partnered in a successful tutoring program that has entered its third grant cycle. Eugene Field is in downtown Albuquerque – an area that lacks resources available in more affluent areas of the city. FUMC-ABQ requested feedback from the teachers to identify technology that would help students engage more effectively and incorporated that in their grant request. Due to the help of this program, the students have made qualitative strides in reading. The teachers have commented that the improvement in socialization is “off the charts.” Principal, Travis Tester includes the partnership with FUMC-ABQ as an integral ingredient in their recent success.

This year approximately $175,000 is available through the various grants. Each grant has a different focus.

• Bishop’s Award: Focuses on “Making Disciples for Jesus Christ.”
• Vitality Award: Ministries/missions that encourage development of vitality in vision
• Senior Ministry Award: Missions/ministries to provide educational, recreational, and spiritual programming for older adults (55+)
• Pippin Award: Funds are to be used in service to underserved constituencies, marginalized communities, or individuals and populations in crisis or with pressing human needs. Priority will be given to ministries/missions that address the root causes of poverty, injustice, and human need.
• Thaxton Award: Funds are to be used for the basic human needs of children and elderly persons living in NM.

Rev. Burrow offers webinars in the early summer to help Conference members who are thinking about applying to be more successful. If you would like assistance with thinking through a possible funded ministry idea, please contact Dustin at: nmac.endowment@gmail.com.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to create a new ministry idea and apply. Whether your project is awarded or not, it was time well-spent to think about how to bless your community.